Post-Diwali pollution surge in MP cities:Indore records AQI 361, Sagar 341; Bhopal, Gwalior Singrauli also cross red line

On Diwali night, the sparkle of fireworks illuminated the sky across Madhya Pradesh, but the next morning, the air turned toxic. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Sagar, and Singrauli crossed 300, placing them in the ‘poor’ air quality category. Indore recorded the worst pollution levels, with AQI reaching 361 in Chhoti Gwaltoli. In Bhopal’s Kohefiza area, AQI touched 336, while it reached 333 in Gwalior’s Maharaj Bada, 341 in Sagar, and 306 in Singrauli. Following the Diwali night celebrations, the air quality deteriorated so significantly that residents complained of eye irritation, breathlessness, and discomfort in several parts of the state. Until 5 PM on Diwali evening, most cities reported ‘satisfactory to moderate’ air quality. However, by 9 PM, pollution levels spiked rapidly. By 9:30 AM the next morning, AQI values had crossed 300 in nearly all major urban centers. On average, in just 16 hours, air pollution levels increased by 150 to 250 points across Madhya Pradesh. Smog layer forms due to cold winds Experts attributed the sharp rise in pollution to the combination of fireworks and weather conditions. Environmental expert Subhash C. Pandey explained that the cold night air prevented pollutants from dispersing, causing harmful gases and fine dust particles to settle close to the ground. This created a thick layer of smog that persisted into the morning. According to Pandey, an AQI between 200 and 500 poses serious health risks. High pollution levels can cause irritation in the eyes, throat, and skin, as well as breathing difficulties, headaches, and dizziness. Additionally, the loud sound of firecrackers contributes to temporary hearing issues, ear ringing, and sleep disturbance. AQI status in cities across state in 16 hours 200-point jump in Bhopal’s Kohefiza Bhopal’s pollution levels reached record highs overnight. In Kohefiza, AQI rose from 136 in the evening to 287 at night and further climbed to 336 by morning — an increase of nearly 200 points. In Shahpura, AQI rose from 153 to 302, while TT Nagar recorded an increase from 126 to 309. Within just 16 hours, the capital’s air quality shifted from ‘moderate’ to ‘very poor.’ AQI increased by 171 points in Gwalior In Gwalior, DD Nagar reported one of the steepest increases in pollution levels. The AQI there jumped from 193 in the evening to 364 in the morning — a rise of 171 points. Both Maharaj Bada and City Center recorded AQI levels above 300, indicating severe pollution. Although Gwalior’s average AQI remained slightly below Bhopal’s, the air quality was still in the dangerous range. AQI rises by 184 points in Chhoti Gwaltoli in Indore Indore recorded the most polluted air among all major cities. In Chhoti Gwaltoli, the AQI climbed from 177 in the evening to 361 in the morning — an increase of 184 points. At the airport, the AQI jumped from 81 to 318, a rise of 237 points, while Residency area saw an increase from 96 to 251. The Regional Park area had the cleanest air in the city, with AQI rising only from 66 to 112 overnight. Pollution tripled in Jabalpur’s Gupteshwar area In Jabalpur, the Gupteshwar area recorded a three-fold rise in pollution levels. AQI rose from 103 in the evening to 349 by morning. The Suhagi and Marhatal areas also saw sharp increases, with AQI rising by 80 to 100 points between 9 PM and 9 AM. By morning, Jabalpur’s air quality had deteriorated to the “poor” category. 5 most polluted cities of state Smaller cities also see spike, but data incomplete Medium-sized cities such as Dewas, Khandwa, and Katni also reported sharp increases in AQI overnight. Dewas rose from 115 to 165, Khandwa from 99 to 205, and Katni from 129 to 200 — increases of 70 to 120 points. However, data from several districts, including Anuppur, Ujjain, Rewa, and Panna, was unavailable. According to the Environment Department, many monitoring stations went offline due to technical issues in the live air quality system during the night. PM 2.5 levels major contributor to pollution The Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) reported that the major cause of poor air quality was the rise in fine particulate matter (PM 2.5). These microscopic dust particles, emitted from fireworks and other pollutants, were the primary contributors to the AQI spike across the state. According to MPPCB’s live monitoring data, PM 2.5 levels were consistently high in most cities, leading to unhealthy and hazardous air conditions. ​